Windhoek residents slam council over service delivery, transparency

The Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association has accused Windhoek’s leadership of suppressing public participation, withholding information and failing to address key service delivery issues.

The dispute followed a deputation to council on 1 July, which residents had expected would allow broader engagement. The City, however, said in advance that the session was not a public meeting.

Despite this, association representative Shaun Gariseb criticised what he called restrictive conditions. “We waited seven months to speak, only to be limited to ten minutes,” Gariseb said. “This is about silencing residents. We will not accept rules that are suddenly created to hide the truth,” he alleged.

Gariseb claimed that a visible police presence created an intimidating environment. “They tried to provoke an outburst so they could discredit us, but we refused to fall into that trap,” he said.

The association also argued that residents are often penalised without a proper understanding of municipal by-laws.

“How can people comply with laws they do not even know exist?” Gariseb asked. “There is no meaningful public education on by-laws.”

He cited fines imposed on vendors, dog owners and transport operators, questioning whether some regulations are outdated or consistently applied.

The association also called for transparency regarding the City’s use of RedForce Debt Management.

“We want full transparency on this contract,” he said. “People are being handed over for debts they may not even have caused.”

Billing troubles

Concerns were also raised about the municipality’s billing system, with claims of erratic charges. Gariseb alleged that a forensic audit had identified systemic faults but had not been made public.

Another major point of contention is the City’s handling of prepaid electricity in relation to water debt. The association maintains that blocking electricity supply for unrelated arrears is unlawful. “The High Court made it clear this conduct contravenes the law,” Gariseb said, warning that continued enforcement could trigger resistance from residents.

The City has not publicly addressed these specific allegations but has previously defended its actions.

Beyond governance issues, the association urged the City to prioritise infrastructure investment, particularly the rehabilitation of the Bobby Sissing Stadium in Khomasdal. “That facility once kept young people engaged and out of trouble,” Gariseb said. “Today it stands neglected, and the consequences are visible in rising crime and drug abuse.”

The group, moreover, criticised slow progress in informal settlement upgrading and housing delivery.

The association indicated it may pursue legal action if its concerns are not addressed within 14 days. “We now have a basis to approach the courts,” Gariseb said. “This is about accountability.”